Topic: Cam chain

[emlupi]

Hello all,
I am currently working on a CB350 twin engine for vintage bike racing. I am planning on using a KA slipper type cam chain tensioner so I’m trying to locate a Tsubaki flat link cam chain (BF05M-94). The reason I’m posting here is because I understand that the SOHC 4 750 uses the same cam chain. I assume they’re discontinued because these things have become impossible to locate.
Barring that, what cam chain and tensioner arrangement are you using in your race engines with the 750? Any help or advice is appreciated, thanks.

[Oddjob]

What about the DID 219FTH chain. Or something similar if the pitch is wrong.

[emlupi]

I looked at that as well but didn’t see one for our application. Perhaps I wasn’t looking in the right place? If you know of a source I would be much obliged, thanks

[Oddjob]

If the chain is the same as the 750 then it’s the 219FTH you need. The problem is finding one the correct length, do you know how many links you need?

[emlupi]

94 links, which is the same as the SOHC 750. So far I haven’t been able to locate one. When you consider that between these two models Honda produced about a half million units, it’s a little hard to believe that nobody is making these parts available.

[PeWe]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/375261066228?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=8HkT0nVPRPS&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=XgCEg0CPSya&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[RAFster122s]

https://vintagecb750.com/products/heavy-duty-cam-chain

[teebee67]

I raced K4 350's for 30 years plus and have raced a CB750. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the standard cam chain tensioner on the 350's providing they are set up correctly. The trick is to adjust the tension at the "sweet spot". Set the valve clearances a little wide and rotate engine until all the valve springs are not under tension, then set the chain tension.

[emlupi]

Thanks everyone, all good information.
Rafster, that Tsubaki chain is not the “F” flat link type, but thanks for the heads up.

Teebee, thanks for the advice. Much appreciated. I think the main knock on the stock tensioner is that the rollers are not durable under constant high rpm usage. The class I am going to be running is a spec class for mostly stock engines, very limited modifications allowed. I would assume that a refreshed factory tensioner, properly adjusted, would be adequate for this type of racing? Would it help to use the Capellini type with the roller bearings and a flat link chain? Your thoughts on this are appreciated.

[teebee67]

I know a lot of people run either the steel roller or the slipper type tensioners but I find the standard tensioner is more than up to the job. Believe me my bikes were revved hard. I did try a steel tensioner once but found steel shavings in the oil so never used it again.

[turboguzzi]

oil cooled GSXR's have flat link chains, used those chains in my CB500 racer if thats any help